1997 Yamaha Banshee

🏁 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 — A True Two-Stroke Legend

The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 is one of the standout models in the Banshee’s storied history, cementing its legacy as one of the most powerful and popular two-stroke sport quads ever built. By 1997, the Banshee had already gained widespread recognition for its aggressive power and speed, with Yamaha continuing to refine and perfect the Banshee’s iconic design. This particular model is especially notable for maintaining the Banshee’s performance-centric ethos while also introducing a few small upgrades that solidified its place in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts.

If you’re a fan of high-revving two-stroke engines, the 1997 Banshee 350 remains a must-have in the world of sport ATVs. With its 347cc twin-cylinder engine, quick throttle response, and nimble handling, the 1997 Banshee is a prime example of Yamaha’s dedication to producing an ATV that’s both a thrill to ride and incredibly fun to control.

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🔧 Engine and Performance

• Engine Type: 347cc, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, twin-cylinder

• Carburetors: Dual Mikuni 26mm

• Bore x Stroke: 64mm x 54mm

• Compression Ratio: 6.5:1

• Transmission: 6-speed manual

• Final Drive: Chain

• Starting System: Kick-start

💥 Why the 1997 Model is Special: The 1997 Yamaha Banshee retains the signature two-stroke, twin-cylinder engine that made it famous. At 347cc, the engine is light, agile, and capable of producing impressive power at high RPMs. The Banshee’s two-stroke engine design is known for its instant throttle response, and that’s exactly what the 1997 model delivers. Once you twist the throttle, the engine roars to life, immediately providing you with the adrenaline-pumping power that defines the Banshee.

The Mikuni 26mm carburetors provide excellent fuel delivery, ensuring that the engine runs smoothly at all speeds. Whether you’re cruising around or hitting full throttle in the dunes, the Banshee’s engine responds quickly and with authority. The 6-speed manual transmission offers the rider full control, making the Banshee a machine that is truly responsive and exciting to ride.

While many modern quads have switched to four-stroke engines, the Banshee’s two-stroke powerplant still holds a special place in the hearts of fans, offering an experience that no four-stroke can match—especially when it comes to the top-end power and revving speed.

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🛞 Suspension and Handling

• Front Suspension: Independent double A-arms with 8.9 inches of travel

• Rear Suspension: Swingarm with mono-shock, 8.1 inches of travel

• Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc brakes (front) and single hydraulic disc brake (rear)

• Tires: 21 x 7-10 (front), 20 x 10-9 (rear)

🎯 Ride Experience: The 1997 Yamaha Banshee offers a responsive and smooth ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. The independent double A-arm front suspension with 8.9 inches of travel allows for great control and maneuverability, especially when tackling uneven terrain or navigating tight turns. The swingarm rear suspension features a mono-shock with 8.1 inches of travel, which helps maintain stability and control while absorbing bumps and jumps.

The Banshee’s lightweight design and narrow stance make it incredibly agile, especially in tight corners and technical sections. The front and rear suspension setup is designed to provide a balance of comfort and performance, making the Banshee a fun machine to ride on both flat and rough terrain. Whether you’re racing through dunes, navigating tight trails, or jumping over small obstacles, the Banshee 350 gives you precise control and cornering ability.

One of the highlights of the 1997 Banshee is how well it handles at high speeds. The suspension soaks up the bumps and rough terrain while giving the rider excellent feedback, allowing for high-speed stability. Combined with the lightweight frame, the Banshee gives riders the confidence to push the limits on wide-open areas and challenging trails.

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🎨 Design and Aesthetics

The 1997 Yamaha Banshee is designed to look every bit as aggressive as it performs. Its sharp lines, muscular frame, and bold graphics make it instantly recognizable as a high-performance quad.

• Body Style: The Banshee 350 has a low-slung, aggressive design, with sleek body panels and wide fenders that help it maintain a wide stance. This adds stability and makes the Banshee look ready to tackle any terrain.

• Colors: In 1997, the Banshee was available in Yamaha’s iconic colors, including Team Yamaha Blue and Red/White, with vivid graphics and decals that made the quad look fast even when standing still.

• Exhaust Design: The dual exhaust pipes are a trademark feature of the Banshee, giving it a distinct look while contributing to its performance. The chrome-plated pipes not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also help optimize engine performance by allowing exhaust gases to exit efficiently.

While the overall design of the 1997 Banshee follows the same iconic layout as previous models, it’s the little touches, such as the aggressive styling of the front fenders and rear grab bar, that truly set it apart.

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🛠️ Aftermarket Mods and Tuning Potential

The 1997 Yamaha Banshee 350 has been an endless canvas for aftermarket upgrades for many years. Enthusiasts and racers often modify their Banshees to improve performance or customize them for specific needs, whether it’s dune riding, drag racing, or just increasing horsepower for fun.

Some popular mods for the 1997 Banshee include:

• Exhaust Systems: Riders often replace the stock exhaust with an FMF, Toomey T5, or Shearer exhaust system. These upgrades help improve engine breathing, allowing the engine to reach higher RPMs and produce more power.

• Big Bore Kits: A common mod to get even more power is a big bore kit, such as the 421cc, 472cc, or even 535cc kits. These kits increase engine displacement, leading to higher torque and horsepower, making the Banshee even more thrilling to ride.

• Carburetor Upgrades: Swapping out the stock carburetors for 34mm or 38mm PWK carbs can significantly improve throttle response and overall engine performance.

• Suspension Upgrades: Many Banshee owners opt for longer swingarms, custom shocks, or reworked suspension to enhance ride comfort and improve handling, especially when riding in dunes or rough trails.

• Porting and Polishing: Performance porting improves engine airflow, allowing for smoother exhaust flow and better fuel-air mixture, thus increasing horsepower.

With these upgrades, the 1997 Banshee can easily be transformed into a high-performance racing quad or a custom dune monster capable of achieving impressive speeds and power.

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💰 Market Value

The 1997 Yamaha Banshee remains highly desirable among enthusiasts, particularly those who want a classic two-stroke quad. While prices may vary depending on the condition, modifications, and location, here is a rough estimate of the market value for the 1997 model:

• Stock Banshee (Good Condition): $3,000 – $5,000

• Restored/Modified Models: $5,000 – $8,000 (depending on the quality of mods)

• Collector’s Item (Low Hour, Original): $6,000 – $10,000 (for all-original, well-maintained models)

As more time passes, low-hour, unmodified models will likely increase in value, as the Banshee is regarded as one of the most iconic two-stroke ATVs of all time.